Big Bang Unico: Hublot's Manifesto

The Big Bang Unico embodies Hublot's philosophy of mixing contrasting elements more than any other series by this Swiss manufacturer. The large, innovative watch has a modern porthole-inspired design and is available with a natural rubber strap.

Highlights

Bold, angular, sporty design

Magic Gold, titanium, or sapphire glass cases

Large dimensions

In-house chronograph caliber Unico HUB1242

Natural rubber straps

Porthole-Inspired Designs

Hublot's Unico timepieces are imposing: The cases in this series have a diameter of 45 mm and a thickness of 15 mm. The Big Bang Unico isn't concerned with following the norms of conservative watches; Hublot found success in part thanks to their scandalous, innovative designs. The Big Bang's angular, mechanical appearance breaks with tradition. If the Big Bang Unico has a predecessor, it would be the Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet. Designed by Gérald Genta, this watch revolutionized luxury sports watches in the 1970s with its porthole-inspired look and stainless steel case.

Hublot watches are designed to resemble portholes, as the name Hublot – the French word for "porthole" – suggests. The watches have a distinctive wide bezel with visible screws.

The Unico is named after its in-house chronograph caliber, which is visible in all models via the skeletonized dial. The timing function is controlled with two push-pieces located near the crown.

Hublot offers the Big Bang Unico in a wide range of case materials such as titanium, ceramic, carbon, King Gold, and even sapphire glass. The synthetic glass is usually only used to cover the dial or case back, but a version of the Unico with a case made entirely of sapphire glass was released in 2016. An exclusive, new material is Magic Gold, a unique patented alloy made of gold and ceramic. By combining ceramic and gold, the soft and scratch-prone 18-karat precious metal is hardened to such a level that only a diamond can scratch it.

The Unico is representative of the entire Big Bang collection. This series has been Hublot's flagship since 2005 and has played a significant role in the brand's success. Combining different materials is a central element of Hublot's philosophy. The famous pairing of rubber straps with gold watches, which gained Hublot notoriety in 1980, marked the beginning of their fusion concept. This concept involves combining materials that would otherwise never be used together in a watch. In 1980, rubber and gold were not combined by any other manufacturer. Hublot continues to realize their fusion concept to this day.

Which Big Bang Should I Buy?

Are you looking for an eye-catching luxury watch with a unique look from a relatively young brand? Then you'll like the Big Bang Unico. It's meant for those who are aiming to stay far away from any understatement pieces. The Big Bang Unico is a sports watch for people who even find the Royal Oak Offshore too modest. Watch lovers who are looking for a mix of unique materials will also enjoy the Unico.

The price for a new Unico with a titanium or ceramic case starts around 12,000 - 13,000 euros. If you want a ceramic case with a scratch-resistant Magic Gold bezel, then you should be prepared to pay around 17,000 euros. Watches made of the light and robust material carbon also fall into this price range.

Red gold versions, known as King Gold, start at 20,000 euros. A Big Bang Unico with a case made of the yellow gold/ceramic alloy Magic Gold costs at least 23,000 euros. A transparent Unico Sapphire made of sapphire glass is available for around 45,000 euros. Diamond-set watches are in the upper end of the price range. The gemstones raise the price of these watches to around 60,000 euros. If diamonds are also on the bracelet, then the price goes up to around 100,000 euros.

If you prefer an out-there design, but want a round case, then you should take a look at the modern watches from Ulysse Nardin. Richard Mille also has exceptional designs. A famous luxury sports watch with a porthole design from the 1970s is the Patek Philippe Nautilus. A Hublot alternative with a tonneau case is the Spirit of Big Bang.

Big Bang Unico Case Materials

Price Range (new)

Titanium

12,000 - 13,000 euros

Ceramic

12,000 - 13,000 euros

Ceramic with a Magic Gold bezel

17,000 euros

King Gold (red gold)

13,000 euros

Magic Gold

23,000 euros

Sapphire glass

45,000 euros

King Gold (red gold) set with diamonds

60,000 - 100,000 euros

A Flexible Caliber

The caliber HUB1242 is at the heart of the Big Bang Unico. Hublot developed the movement over a period of four years. It's comprised of 330 pieces set together by hand, and has a balance frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour. It also has a 72-hour power reserve. The movement is constructed in such a way that different complications and modules could be added, such as a GMT function, flyback chronograph, or bi-retrograde chronograph.

Big Bang: Origin of the Hublot Boom

Hublot was founded in 1980 by the Italian watch designer Carlo Crocco. Crocco created quite a stir as the first designer to pair a natural rubber strap with a luxury watch. Things quieted down until 2005 when the Big Bang was released. One year prior, Jean-Claude Biver had transitioned from being the CEO of Omega to being the CEO of Hublot. Under his leadership, sales quadrupled between 2004 and 2006 to 100 million Swiss francs. Above all, Hublot has the Big Bang to thank for this success, which remains the case to this day.